Fishing is a great way to spend the day with family and friends, but it's important that you and your fishing companions keep safe. Here are a few tips to keep you out fishing and to cut down on time spent with an injury.

Did you know?

The overhead cast teaches proper technique and is safer than side casts.

Removing fish hooks

Leave the hook in and get medical attention immediately if it's in your eye, eyelid or in too deep to move.

If you stick yourself with a hook, push the hook all the way through so the barb comes out of the skin. Cut the barb off with a wire cutter and back the hook right out.

After the hook is out, clean the wound and bandage it.

Crimping the barbs on your hooks before fishing can make it easier to get it out if you get stuck.

Fishing with young anglers

When you go fishing with kids, you need more than fishing gear. Here are some items you don't want to forget:

Bring one adult for every child

Life jackets for everyone

Long handled fishing net, great for netting fish and for reaching out to someone if they fall into the water

Hat and eye protection

First aid kit with medical supplies to deal with minor cuts and scrapes

Plenty of healthy cold drinks to keep hydrated

Insect repellent

Waterproof sunscreen

Handling & cleaning fish

Here are some simple tips to keep in mind after you reel in the big one:

If you are not keeping the fish, take the fish off the hook as soon as possible and gently lower it into the water.

Don't allow the fish to flop around on the dock, or the floor of the boat. Use a stringer, mesh bucket, or live well to keep the fish alive until you're ready to clean it.

Use a sharp fillet knife. A dull knife makes filleting more difficult and dangerous.

Always keep the sharp side of the blade pointed away from hands, arms and bodies as you fillet the fish.

When finished, clean the fillet knife with warm soapy water and place back into its case. Never leave a knife uncovered in your tackle box or the floor of the boat.

Never Forget

Many accidents that we see can be prevented by following one simple rule... Drink responsibly. Alcohol affects judgment, coordination, balance, and can increase your chances of having an avoidable accident.